Tackling pollution: Beijing's electric bikes and buses - in pictures

Vehicles are the source of a third of the air pollution in the Chinese capital, which restricts their use during episodes of heavy smog. Electric cars, buses, scooters and bicycles offer an alternative, cleaner form of transport

Heavy traffic passes along Beijing’s 3rd Ring Road, in the centre of the Chinese capital. Although on this day the skies are clear, Beijing has some of the worst levels of air pollution of any city in the world. Vehicle exhaust fumes are responsible for a third of the pollution.

A man drives his three-wheeled electric vehicle in central Beijing. Electric vehicles come in a variety of shapes and sizes as producers try to meet the diverse requirements of the city’s residents. The three-wheeled ones are particularly popular with elderly residents as a cheaper alternative to normal cars.

Luca Du, president and chief technology officer of Beijing Tsinova Technology Company, a Chinese startup that is capitalising on the increased demand for electric transportation by producing smart e-bicycles.